The Best Kid-Friendly Dining In Sydney Right Now
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
One of the best things about living in Sydney/Eora is the sheer depth of its dining scene—from beachside gems to neighbourhood favourites worth booking weeks ahead. But when you’re dining with kids, choosing where to eat can feel a little more complicated. The good news? Sydney is packed with genuinely kid-friendly restaurants that don’t compromise on good food, atmosphere, or grown-up enjoyment.
Forget the fast-food playgrounds and tired pub kids’ menus. These family-friendly restaurants in Sydney nail the sweet spot between relaxed and cool, serving everything from tiki cocktails alongside kid-size fish and chips, to margaritas by the beach with room to roam, and top-tier sushi rolled into mini bento boxes (gelato included).
Keep scrolling for Urban List’s guide to the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.
Jump to:
- Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's CBD
- Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's East
- Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's North
- Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's South
- Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's Inner-West
- Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's Western Suburbs
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's CBD
Woodcut
Crown Sydney, Level 1/1 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Image credit: Crown Sydney | Supplied
Crown Sydney's lineup of fancy eateries might not be your first thought for a kid-friendly experience, but Ross and Sunny Lusted's Woodcut has you covered. The restaurant champions Australian produce and celebrates unique cooking techniques like steam, wood and charcoal.
Alongside incredible Darling Harbour views and an amazing menu, you can expect the sensory experience of theatre thanks to Woodcut’s four open kitchens and unique service with food straight from cast iron pans or clay pots.
Insider Intel:
- With the fam, make sure you book a table outside to enjoy the space and the views of the water. And if a bout of restlessness hits mid-meal, a stroll or scoot along the water ought to do the trick.
Zushi
10/33 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo and 2A/285A Crown Street,
Surry Hills
Image credit: Zushi | Supplied
Also in sunny Barangaroo (and Surry Hills), Zushi has a killer kids' menu for little ones who love their sushi rolls. The kids' bento box is a major hit, packed out with edamame, salmon nigiri, avocado roll, chicken karaage, and shoestring fries.
Meanwhile, Mum and Dad can fill up on some of Sydney's best sushi, sashimi, and tempura and dessert specials like matcha tiramisu and yuzu mandarin sorbet.
Insider Intel:
- For a different dessert option, hit up nearby Rivareno for a little gelato.
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's East
Coogee Pavillion
169 Dolphin Street, Coogee
Image credit: Merivale | Supplied
Coogee Pav is another Merivale entry on our list. The enormous seaside eatery is probably the most family-friendly spot in the Sydney hospitality behemoth's collection of venues, and the ground floor is where it's at for a pre- or post-beach feast.
The huge kids' menu covers everything from ham and cheese toasties to burgers and kid-size pizzas. There's also a menu of fresh and fun kids' smoothies, with flavours like "Strawberry Orbit" and "Cheeky Chocolate" on the line-up. For parents, you'll find seaside faves like potato scallops and chilled tiger prawns, alongside more sophisticated picks like a bucatini pasta with prawn, cuttlefish, chilli, and garlic, and mussels with chilli garlic.
Insider Intel:
- If you aren't distracted by the ocean views, you can also catch a game on their sports schedule, playing live on the big screens.
Three Blue Ducks
1/85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery
Image credit: Three Blue Ducks | Instagram
Three Blue Ducks is a superstar in the Sydney dining scene, and its influence has exploded over the last decade since a trio of surfy dudes from Bronte set up shop back in 2010. These days, The Ducks is a full-blown lifestyle, spread across the East Coast of Australia and centred squarely on a more sustainable approach to life and food.
Over in Rosebery, the "ducklings" menu is a firm fave for wholesome, simple kids' feasting. For brekkie, there's a breakfast roll with bacon, egg and tomato sauce, while lunch and dinner include pasta with tomato sugo and parmesan, or pumpkin hummus with crudités. Parents can sip pepper margaritas and spritz while filling up on porchetta with creamed pumpkin or XO pippies with gai lan and fried shallot.
Insider Intel:
- If you want to "cook like the ducks at home", check out their list of recipes online.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay
Image credit: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel | Facebook
Nestled on the harbour near Vaucluse, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is a Sydney institution known for its Hamptons-chic fit-out, fresh seafood, and sweeping harbour views.
Just a quick ferry from Circular Quay and Manly, the luxe “pub” boasts slick waterfront dining fit quick nibbles or long lunches, and a beach club where all the action takes place. The kids menu sorts out 12 and unders, but there's plenty of approachable mains for older kids who are a little fussy.
Insider Intel
- There's also boutique accomodation on site, if you have a few too many.
Totti's Bondi
283 Bondi Road, Bondi
Image credit: Totti's Bondi | Supplied
There are plenty of reasons why you might have heard of the TikTok-famous Sydney restaurant Totti’s in Bondi; it could be the bustling atmosphere, the signature wood-fired bread, or the chic olive tree-filled, whitewashed courtyard.
The relaxed Italian menu at this Bondi restaurant consists of a heap of antipasti, homemade pastas, shareable main dishes and sides—but they also have a special kids menu, if that doesn't suit.
Insider Intel
- Book a courtyard table and soak in the Euro summer vibes while the kids catch some fresh air.
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's North
Dunes
193 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach
Image credit: Dunes | Instagram
Up at sparkly Palm Beach, Dunes is directly opposite the beach and playground with plenty of space and sunshine for weekend vibes. It's a far cry from the sticky parkside family-friendly cafes you might have come across before now—a recent renovation by Sydney-based interior designer Olivia Bossy has given Dunes a seriously stylish edge.
Think chic beachside villa with warm white lounges that spill outdoors and into the ocean air. For kids, the kiosk area is a great spot to run and play while mum and dad do Appellation oysters, saltbush calamari, blue swimmer crab linguini, and a margarita or two.
Insider Intel:
- Prefer to hang on the sand? Dunes also do takeaway.
The Collaroy
1064 Pittwater Road, Collaroy
Image credit: Merivale | Supplied
From the Merivale family, The Colloray is an easy breezy eatery just seconds from the sand of Collaroy Beach. For Northern Beaches locals or families keen to make the trip up north for a weekend swim, The Collaroy offers ocean views, seafood, and pizza, all done in that effortless Merivale style.
The upstairs restaurant is led by executive chef Jordan Toft (mimi's, Bert's), so you know the food will be top-tier. Kids will be well looked after with friendly pub classics like beer-battered fish and chips or cheeseburgers with fries, while mum and dad can order up oysters, burrata, sea bounty mussels, and steak frites.
Insider intel:
- For Tiki vibes, hop next door to The Surf Deck for pizzas and banana daiquiris.
The Newport
2 Kalinya Street, Newport
Image credit: The Newport | Facebook
Over the bridge towards Palm Beach, The Newport (previously The Newport Arms) offers incredible views out to Pittwater and a modern Australian menu in a chic waterfront setting.
The Merivale-owned pub has pockets of open kitchens and bars, including a pizzeria, burger shack, coffee kiosk and a seafood market, with heaps of open and covered outdoor dining areas to enjoy your meal, plus a bottle shop out front. Kids will be treated to all the classics for around $15, with heaps of approachable main menu items for tweens.
Insider Intel
- Their in-venue gymnasium has restless legs sorted, with plenty of games to keep the little ones occupied.
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's South
Bobby's
6R The Esplanade, Cronulla
Image credit: Bobby's | Instagram
Right off the sand of Cronulla Beach, Bobby’s is a Mediterranean-influenced spot doing breakfast and lunch Monday–Wednesday, and all-day dining Thursday–Sunday. The seafood-driven menu is perfectly suited to its beachside location, offering the community a prime oceanfront spot to enjoy ocean-to-plate eats
The restaurant space offers a more structured dining environment suited to casual beachside lunches, weeknight eats and special occasions—with a kids menu that's small but has all the essentials. The beach club welcomes sandy toes for a morning coffee or post-swim sip, so you can stop by after a morning swim with the fam.
Insider Intel
- Wine picks from local producers and Mediterranean makers focus on fresh and saline white varieties and reds that suit chilling for Aussie summer days.
Pippis
2 Tonkin Street, Cronulla
Image credit: Pippis | Instagram
Pippis is a waterfront restaurant in Cronulla’s Calico Marina, operated by brothers Adam and Ramzey Choker. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Pippis offers Italian classics like antipasti (including charcuterie, crudo, and fried calamari), pastas, and pizzas.
The kids menu is more than generous: steak and chips, pizza and pasta will have all ages sat and satisfied.
Insider Intel
- All kids meals include a softie—don't say we didn't warn you.
St George Sailing Club
2 Riverside Drive, Sans Souci
Image credit: St George Sailing Club | Supplied
The St George Sailing Club has held its prime view of the sparkly Georges River for well over a century. And now, thanks to a huge $15M renovation, it'll continue to be one of Sydney's favourite waterside spots for years to come. Under the guise of the team behind the Manly Skiff Club in the north, the sprawling St George Sailing Club has a revamped bistro, lounging spaces, and breezy open-air decks.
The redesign is the work of architect Jon Jacka, who has created a crisp coastal aesthetic with warm timber accents and outdoor space for days. On the kids' menu is a classic schnitzel, spag bol, and fish and chips, while parents can tuck into salmon sashimi, marinated octopus salad, and a little Mediterranean influence with woodfired pizzas, prawn linguini, and osso buco rigatoni.
Insider Intel:
-
To drink, pick from signature cocktails, around 40 different wines, and over 14 beers on tap—each selected to be enjoyed by the water, soaking up a little sun and salt spray. Just remember your SPF.
Northies Cronulla Hotel
Kingsway and Elouera Road, Cronulla
Image credit: Northies Cronulla Hotel | Facebook
Northies has been blessing the Shire with great pub food and carefree seaside ambiance for over two decades now. As soon as you step inside, it feels like a summer holiday, with a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for lounging.
The kids menu is stacked with dishes under $20, and it's lowkey ambience is perfect for big groups and noisy tikes.
Insider Intel
- Adults can order up a mezze plate and a glass of bubbly while watching the sun go down or look into their quirky cocktails—we highly recommend the Chilli Gonzales: a chilli mango twist on the classic margarita.
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's Inner-West
Elliott's
79 Elliott Street, Balmain
Image credit: Elliott's | Instagram
Elliott’s is a modern all-day bistro and live music joint from the crew behind beloved Sydney restaurants Esteban and tqm.
A modern Australian menu leans on Italian and French influences while celebrating the freshest seasonal produce. There's also a dedicated kids menu, perfect for family dining—and plenty of space for restless little ones to stretch their legs.
INSIDER INTEL
-
Elliott’s live entertainment program boasts vinyl DJs every Friday to Sunday, plus genre-spanning live acts every Saturday.
The Vic On The Park
2 Addison Road, Marrickville
Image credit: Vic On The Park | Instagram
Dog- and kid-friendly, this classic pub is warm and welcoming, with plenty to keep children occupied. They’ll love a run around on The Vic's basketball court, having a groove to the live music, or chowing down on a fish and chips or cheeseburger from the kids' menu.
Insider Intel
- Parents and caregivers will love the brews from Grifter next door and epic rotisserie feeds.
The Grounds Of Alexandria
7a/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria
Image credit: The Grounds | Supplied
This ultra-popular sprawling Inner West oasis might be an obvious inclusion for our list—with its enchanting pop-up installations, enormous organic garden to stroll through, and pint-sized petting zoo—but The Grounds is a family favourite for a reason.
On the kids' brekky menu are fluffy buttermilk pancakes, scrambled free-range eggs, house-made baked beans, and other wholesome, tasty plates. At lunchtime, there's a grass-fed cheeseburger, fresh egg pasta, organic beef bolognese, and more.
Insider intel:
- For Christmas, you better believe The Grounds has transformed into a festive wonderland, complete with family Santa photos.
The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre
8–12 Sydney Street, Marrickville
Image credit: The Lucky Prawn | Supplied
The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre is Marrickville’s ultimate throwback-meets-modern-day hangout. Part brewery, part retro RSL and part Chinese-Australian bistro, this sprawling venue pays homage to 1980s Australiana with a nostalgic flair.
While there may not be a dedicated kids menu, you'll be hard-pressed to find something they don't like—the menu has all your favourite casual Chinese bites, and the dining room keeps things casual.
Insider Intel
- You can order from the banquet menu, if you're rolling in with a bigger group.
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Sydney's Western Suburbs
The Woodstock
Corner Woodstock Avenue and Duke Street, Rooty Hill
Image credit: The Woodstock | Supplied
One of Western Sydney's most iconic pubs has reopened as The Woodstock, following a multi-million dollar facelift by the Solotel Group. The team has done a number on what was previously known as the Carousel Inn, giving it a brand new look—new outdoor spaces, a family friendly bistro, and an events centre.
Outdoor areas wrap around the pub's exterior: a sprawling beer garden designed to be packed with groups and families on sunny afternoons, and a huge playground—complete with climbing walls, a games corner, talking tubes and slides.
Insider Intel
- Bonus points are awarded for the $12 kids menu, where all meals come with a complimentary soft drink or juice.
The Fiddler
Commercial Road, Rouse Hill
Image credit: The Fiddler | Website
The Fiddler is a beautifully restored Irish pub that’s been serving up good times in Sydney’s west since the 1820s. There’s no shortage of spots to settle in here, including rustic and modern bars, a lush courtyard, a sprawling beer garden with an overhanging balcony, and stunning event spaces.
Kids are catered for at brekkie, lunch and dinner—with all menu items sitting at $12 and under.
Insider Intel
- There’s also bistro classics like burgers, steaks, and pizzeria slinging crowd-pleasing pies.
Image credit: Urban List
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